Finding Serenity Through The ShakuhachiThe Shakuhachi is an instrument that can lead you on a meditative, musical journey that explores nature and our place in it.It is an end-blown Japanese bamboo flute and is part of a long music tradition within Japanese culture that has spread throughout the world. The shakuhachi is a blend of music, culture, and spirituality that connects the mind, body, and spirit. With my music I hope to both relax and intrigue you, helping you to create your own serene space. If you would like to purchase one of my CDs please visit the Japanese music site or the links at the bottom of the page.
My approach to this Japanese traditonal art is both a musical and meditational one. Certain pieces focus on techniques and require a high degree of precision while other pieces are more for spiritual development. No matter what genre of music you are drawn to, whether it is classical Japanese ensemble pieces with koto or shamisen, solo meditation, or even jazz, both areas of musicality and spirituality come together. A major project of mine is a collaboration called "Kurofune" with bamboo flute and piano player Izukawa Hidefumi. Here is a live snippet of our original piece called "Sakura", off of our 1st CD Kurofune
Enjoy The Process Really, if you are mindful of your experience any concentrated effort can be meditational. However, I find that playing the shakuhachi involves a focus on deep breathing, which encompasses both the physical and the spiritual. This music can have a relaxing as well as awakening effect on the soul. In Japanese music and other traditional arts, the focus lies more on the process of doing and creating, rather than merely on the final outcome. Getting somewhere can actually be more fun sometimes that actually reaching your destination. About The Flutes
There are various types of shakuhachi, but I am drawn to the older style of flutes that have a sound that is focused on tone quality. Modern flutes tend to have a bore that has a lot of Ji (cement like substance) in it to help stabilize the balance of pitch and strong volume. I find however that older instruments and flutes with less Ji (Ji-nashi or Ji-mori) have a more interesting tone than cheaper modern ones. However some modern makers, such as Gyokusui, are still more concerned with an interesting original sound, therefore I often recommend his flutes to people. On my Cds you can hear a variety of Ji-nuri, Ji-nashi, and Ji-mori style flutes, including a few that I have made myself.
Like most things, I believe that you get out of it what you put into it. The more time, effort, money and passion that you put into this traditional art, the more enjoyable and deeper the experience will be for you. It is not easy, but with enough time and patience the shakuhachi can If you are interested in taking lessons or hiring me to perform or lecture please contact me.If you are interested in experiencing some of my music please visit our music store at Japanese Music SHAKUHACHI ESSAYS Joshua M. Smith
|
FREE Serene Gardens Newsletter
Our E-zine keeps you up-to-date with the latest news and helps you create your own serene space.